SPOTTED MORENA

The spotted moray eel (Gymnothorax moringa) is a common sight in the rocky reefs and crevices around Tenerife, where it often peeks from holes with its mouth slightly open — a behavior used for breathing rather than aggression. 

These ambush predators feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, using their specialized pharyngeal jaws to secure prey. While usually shy and solitary, they are a fascinating highlight for divers exploring the island’s Atlantic reefs, offering a glimpse of the secretive life thriving beneath Tenerife’s waters.